Code Tenno Uprising of the Void
ESKK: A new chapter a new battle let's get started.
(Start Out at Sea)
The Black Knights were currently inside their newly acquired Submarine that was currently out at sea. It was at the moment sailing above water for the semi-regular fresh air intake with a lone Black Knight up top looking around via a pair of binoculars. The Submarine came from the Military district of India giving them a major edge in the coming battles.
Inside the submarine a meeting was in progress with Zero at the front to speak with the Black Knights. Behind him was a screen displaying the video call from both the Lotus and leader of the Kyoto Group, Taizo Kirihara.
"Now them do to our recent reorganization and expansion a few changes have been made." Zero announced to his Black Knights. "Our new chief of military affairs will be Kyoshiro Tohdoh." Zero began as everyone began to grin to this at the good fortune that came their way with Tohdoh. "Taking charge of all intelligence, espionage, and public relation matters Diethard Ried." Zero spoke and by the sounds of it people were not entirely fond of the idea.
"This Britannian Pretty boy?" Tamaki asked as several of the Black Knights were seen glaring at Diethard. The man was formerly with the media and had join out of some sort of fanatical view of Zero. Though considering Zero himself was Britannian that few even know it helped to have someone who knew how their enemies think.
"Not to mention he's with the media." Urabe, one of the Four Holy Swords, voiced as he looked to Diethard.
"Zero, I'm not a racist, but what's you're reasoning for employing one of them in such a sensitive position?" Chiba asked as she had doubt about Diethard.
"Reasoning?" Zero asked as he went on to answer Chiba's question. "And what of me I ask you?" Zero asked as he looked to Chiba as this got everyone to go quiet. "I'm no Japanese either you all know this what matters is the ability to produce results who you are and where you're from is of little consequence." Zero said making it clear that here they were all equals.
When everyone got quiet for that Zero then continued with his announcements. "My deputy Commander will be Kaname Ohgi." Zero spoke and thus Ohgi was surprised by this while his friends were grinning.
Ohgi was more than a little surprised. "Me? Really?" Ohgi asked shocked that he got such a big promotion.
"Do you object?" Zero asked but Ohgi already began to answer.
"Well, no it's just…" Ohgi stuttered a bit as he wasn't sure how to respond to this honor.
"Well, you were our leader to begin with." One of the original members of the Black Knights spoke as he looked to Ohgi. "A newbie can't take that job." He spoke before their meeting continued forward.
"And for research and development Rakshata." Zero finished off once the congratulations came to an end.
"Who else?" The Indian Woman said as Zero nodded to this which came with the big announcement. The Tenno provided Nunnally with legs and she had already figured out how to use walking stick. The new problem was convincing people that Nemo was not a cripple in anyway. Ava claimed she had a workaround for it which was yet to be seen. All she said that Geass may be able to act as Nunnally's eyes and left it at that.
Ever since Lelouch agreed to let Nunnally fight they had opted for her to adopt the identity of Nemo who at the moment was leaning on the wall next to CC. Nemo had yet to show up, but it was made clear she was joining up with the Black Knights from now on.
"Captain of the Zero Squad will be Kallen Kozuki." Zero announced which got Kallen's attention.
"The Zero Squad?" Kallen asked surprised to hear this.
"An Elite Guard under my direct command think of yourselves as my personal force." Zero said and thus got to the next bit.
"An Elite Guard." Kallen said happy to hear this.
"Nemo shall be serving as your Lieutenant." Zero added and thus everyone heard this.
"Nemo?" Everyone asked as they thought she was with the Tenno. Evan Kallen was confused by this announcement as she thought Nemo was either with the Tenno or a completely solo fighter.
Then as if summoned the doors opened and Nemo walked in. Her outfit was similar to that of Zero's curtesy of the Tenno's Fabricators. The Tenno had a spare Harrier Outfit that was just Nunnaly's size and more so after modifying it with Nunnally and Lelouch's input. This was Nemo outside of her Knightmare Frame and needless to say many were surprised to see another masked revolutionary/vigilante among them.
"What is everyone wearing a mask now?!" Tamaki asked shocked to see another mask wearer.
Regardless of his question Zero continued with the announcements. "Commander of squad 1: Asahina Shogo. Commander of squad 2: Semba Ryouga, Commander of squad 3: Kagesaki Kizuna. Commander of special forces squad 1: Minami Yoshitaka and Commander of special forces squad 2: Tamaki Shinichiro. That is all." Zero finished with that part.
"Yes!" Tamaki cried out with pride in his voice.
Kallen found it strange as she moved her gaze and looked at C.C. 'No position for C.C?' Kallen wondered as Nemo actual rolled her eyes before the new masked sidekick of Zero walked over to Kallen. 'She's a lot smaller than I thought.' Kallen thought to herself as she looked to Nemo.
"It seems we will be working together from now on." Nemo said as Kallen noted her mask was kind of high tech and had the same color scheme as that of Zero's own uniform.
"Zero, what about the Tenno, what are their roles?" Ohgi asked as the Black Knights looked at Umbra who had Carmilla, Ronin, and Glass with him all standing off to the side of the debriefing.
"The Tenno will be acting primarily as our Black Ops Unit but when not they will be distributed between the squads as needed." Zero clarified so the Black Knights knew that they were allies to the cause. "But more than that they will be acting as instructors in combat training as needed." Zero added with a small smirk on his face.
"WHAAAT?!" Came Tamaki as he heard what was said.
"They brought to my attention that there might be situation where we are without our Knightmares thus with this information in mind they offered to help improve our hand-to-hand combat capabilities and survivalist training." Zero said making sure that the Black Knights knew that this was to increase their odds of survival in the future.
"If any of you want to argue this." Umbra spoke up as he stepped forward. "Your free to try me." He said making it clear that he would dominate the fight if it came down to it.
Tamaki looked ready for a moment but backed off knowing full well that the Tenno had taken out Knightmares five times their size already.
"Zero may I add something?" Diethard asked as he looked to Zero who looked to the new head of their Spy network. "There's one issue that still needs to be dealt with." Diethard said making it clear that they could not ignore the Elephant in the room.
(Meanwhile in Area 11)
This was the ceremony of Suzaku's ascension to knighthood. He was dressed in white formal attire with a sheathed sword at his side. Among those gathered were virtually every Britannian noble from Area 11, however, most, if not all, did not approve of this in the slightest.
"Who cares if he's an Honorary Britannian? Knighting an Eleven is just…"
"And broadcasting it live."
"How'd he, ever win her favor I wonder?"
"Well, even a princess has needs right."
Suzaku walked straight towards Princess Euphemia as she sat on her throne awaiting him.
(At the same time Ashford Academy)
Nearly the entire campus was watching the ceremony as well, several students watched from their personal mobile devices, and there were some that didn't approve either.
"No, are they kidding?!"
"No, this can't be happening!"
"They're making him a major! An Eleven!"
Nina didn't say anything but couldn't help but wince unconformably as she listened to the broadcast as well.
"Suzaku Kururugi." Euphemia began as she stood, and Suzaku kneeled before her. "Will though upon this day pledge they fealty to Britannia? And stand as a knight to the crown?" She spoke with every bit of grace as required as one of royalty.
"Yes, your highness." Suzaku replied as he knew that this was one step closer to reaching his goal of changing the system from within.
"Does though wish to abandon thyself, and be sword and shield for the sake of the greater good?" Euphemia asked as the entire ceremony continued on.
"Yes, your highness." Suzaku repeated as he unsheathed his sword and handed the handle towards Euphemia. She took the sword in her hands and gently tapped his shoulders with the blade.
"I, Euphemia Li Britannia, do hereby dub thee, Sir Suzaku Kururugi…."
(Meanwhile in Camelot Division)
"So, who's payroll is he on now?" One member asked as the division watched the ceremony from their own television.
"I believe Lloyd's already working on that." Cecile answered as she observed the broadcast.
(Back on the Palace)
Euphemia handed Suzaku back the sword as he sheathed it and stood up to face the crowd of nobles. The ceremony was finished, he was now officially the knight to Princess Euphemia. Many of the nobles didn't even try to hide their faces of disapproval or even disgust. It was deathly silent, until Lloyd Asplund genuinely clapped for Suzaku.
It wasn't just Lloyd, both Suzaku and Euphemia heard a series of claps from the side as they saw Darlton clap for Suzaku's success and even smile, with the exception of Anya who seemed physically incapable of clapping. Though the rest of the nobles still didn't approve, they too joined the applause, if only to keep themselves from looking bad on live television.
(Scene Break with the Black Knights)
Umbra, Nemo, Kallen, Zero, Rakshatta, Diethard, and Tohdoh were gathered in the small meeting room of their mobile headquarters in Japan. Zero had them all here for the meeting bust most of all to put his circle of trust together. Of course, the topic of discussion was not one Zero or Lelouch was enjoying.
"Suzaku Kururugi, he's become a focal point among Elevens who are Britannian supporters." Diethard said cutting straight to the chase. "I recommend he'd be assassinated." Diethard said much to Umbra's surprise and Nemo's concern.
"Absolutely not." Zero said immediately making it clear where he stood on this.
"He's right, when Clovis was assassinated, they grabbed the first Honorary Britannian they could and pinned the crime on him." Umbra said as he looked to the group. "If we go about assassinating him it could easily backfire on us the Britannians could paint him as a martyr he didn't conform to the Black Knights narrative and thus turn the Japanese against us." Umbra said making it clear that they had to play this carefully.
"He's not wrong public opinion can be easily swayed with the correct words to accompany the images." Tohdoh said as he knew that Umbra brought up a good point on this revelation.
"So that means our only viable way to take out Suzaku without shifting public opinion against us is in a fight." Kallen said as she saw how this was their best option against Suzaku. "But what if the Britannian's figure this out and try to frame us, kill him themselves and then say we did it." Kallen said as that was a concern as well here.
"Good point." Umbra conceded as he then had an idea. "We have Britannians among us… maybe we need to start going up the national flagpole." Umbra suggested as he looked to the group giving Zero an opening to reveal himself.
"What about Princess Euphemia?" Nemo suggested as she sat closes to Zero while her comment received both surprised and questionable looks.
"A Britannian royal on our side?" Kallen voiced skeptical about this choice of actions. "I don't think so." She said to which Zero saw Umbra had opened the gates and thus it was time for him to walk through.
"Yeah, we might have a few Britannians in our ranks, but I don't see anybody from the royal family actually siding with us." Ohgi said and thus Zero chuckled to this.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Zero said as he stood up and looked to his inner circle. "You all have wondered and asked who I was under my mask have you not?" Zero asked as he looked to the Black Knights who all heard and saw this. "What I am about to reveal to you all will place you all firmly within my inner circle of trust." Zero added and thus the group realized that they were about to move way up if Zero was trusting them with what they think he was trusting them with.
"But make no mistake if you betray this trust, it might be the last thing you ever do." He added making it clear that he was taking a big risk with them. "Now then Kallen Ohgi you two had stated that it was unlikely that a Royal would side with us." Zero said as he looked to the group. "So how would you react to learning that you're speaking to one right now?" Zero said as he then placed his fingers on his mask and removed it to reveal his face. To say that the Black Knights present, excluding Rakshata, were surprised was an understatement. "Lelouch Vi Britannia, formerly the eleventh prince of the so-called Holy Empire of Britannia, and seventeenth in line for the throne at your service." The former prince gave a mocking bow to them.
Ohgi, Kallen, and even Diethard were wide eyed n shock over what they saw. Umbra was hoping this would benefit them while Nemo looked to Lelouch with concern and worry. Rakshata only gave a small, raised eyebrow. Diethard's face was equivalent to that of a little kid who had just gotten the best Christmas present ever.
Ohgi was shocked at what he was seeing as the fact that the leader of Kyoto Kirihara saw this face meant he was in the know as well. "You're… you're… a prince…?" Ohgi stuttered, shocked over what he was seeing and hearing.
"Former prince." Lelouch said making sure to put extra emphasis on the former part.
"No fucking way…" Kallen said as she was wide eyed over what she heard. After all she had accosted Lelouch as school several weeks ago in the shower. But it was a phone call that pointed Kallen away from her suspicion. However, Lelouch pulled it off Kallen was utterly surprised over this reveal.
'The dead prince…' Diethard thought as face trembled with a shaking grin. 'Of course, now it makes sense! Who else but an Eleven would lead such a rebellion?' He thought as the cover was perfect who would suspect a Prince a dead Prince to be leading this Rebellion.
"Why do you all look so surprised?" Rakshata asked casually as she sat on her seat with her pipe. "Considering we're working alongside people who could allegedly bring back the dead and tear Knightmares apart without using one themselves this should not be that much of a shock." Rakshata said making it clear that she viewed this as just another average Monday.
"That's pretty bold of you, Lelouch." Tohdoh spoke up as he had a smirk on his face. "Revealing your identity, like this." He added remembering the time Lelouch was a boy living with the Kururugi's as a political hostage.
"A wise man once told me, those who lead from isolation will find themselves surrounded only by enemies." Lelouch said as this brought a lot of things to perspective.
"Why wait to tell us this, why tell us at all?" Ohgi asked as he looked to Lelouch wondering why he would make such a risk now.
"I apologize for hiding my identity from all of you." Lelouch began with an apology to them. "But I had to be sure I could gain your trust, and I wasn't sure if I could if you knew who I was before." Lelouch said as Kallen looked ready to object. "Think if I were to approach you all as Lelouch and not Zero would you have honestly followed me into battle?" Lelouch added and thus Kallen went silent to this.
"Ok that's a fair point." Kallen admitted as Umbra and Nemo just sat there observing.
"So, you decided to let your actions speak for you instead of your words." Umbra said as he saw that this made perfect sense and when handled correctly would forge an inner circle of only Zero's most trusted allies.
"Regardless of who you were before I say your words had spoken well enough." Nemo said and thus she began to domino effect among the group.
"That's right, Lelouch here has been kicking Britannia's ass since day one!" Kallen stated as she stood up making her role in this clear. "Look where are now, and all that we've gained since then! In fact, most of us would be dead if it weren't for him and the Tenno." Kallen went on and thus the chain effect began.
"That's right." Ohgi said as his loyalty toward Zero appeared almost cemented now. "He's always been here for us, they all have! I don't care if he is a prince, he's my leader and I'll follow him into hell if he asked me to!" Ohgi said and thus his earlier words also held truth. Zero practiced what he preached and thus he was a leader of integrity.
"I thank you, all of you." Lelouch said with a simple smile, doing his best to hide his emotions.
"Well getting back on track." Tohdoh said as he knew they had a mission to focus on. "Being both a Royal and close to Suzaku." Tohdoh said as he knew them from their childhood. "How do you propose we best deal with this." Tohdoh said as Umbra then spoke up.
"If I may." Umbra said as he had his own bit to say. "Suzaku had shown signs that are questionable, I think the first thing to do is to figure out his backstory why would the son of the former Prime Minister join the nation who is oppressing his people believing that he could get them to change." Umbra said as he had questions as to what exactly drove Suzaku to such idealistic recklessness.
"Is there any insight you might be able to offer?" Diethard asked looking to Lelouch.
"I'm not sure but I think researching his father might be a good place to start." Lelouch said as he never did learn exactly why Genbu Kururugi had committed suicide.
"Tohdoh." Umbra began as he looked to the Colonel. "Is there anything you can tell us about Genbu Kururugi?" Umbra asked as he looked to the famous man.
Tohdoh was silent for a moment but then kept his composure. "No, I never suspected Genbu would willingly take his own life." He said and thus Umbra nodded to this in understanding.
(Later)
After the meeting Umbra left the meeting room as he began to contact Ava on a secure line. "Ava it's just as you suspected Genbu's murder was covered up." Ven said as he now had the first suspect to ask over the former Prime Ministers death if Suzaku could not be reached.
"So now we got a few people to start digging in on." Ava spoke on the other end of the line, but Ven begged to differ.
"Yes; but do it quietly, we cannot afford any problems with this alliance." Ven said and thus hung up the call and then proceeded with his other duties.
(Scene Break Viceroy Palace Euphemia's office)
"You haven't said anything about it yet." The Sub-Viceroy commented as she spoke with her elder sister over a screen on her computer, even though she already had an idea what she would say in regard to her choosing Suzaku as her knight.
"Appointing a knight is a privilege of royalty, it's out of my hands, even as Viceroy." Cornelia replied, though Euphemia could easily tell Cornelia disapproved of her choice.
"Don't you see, Suzaku Kururugi is an Honorary Britannian, and he's proved himself more than worthy of knighthood sister even you." Euphemia began to speak making it clear where she stood on Britannia's methods but was cut off by Cornelia.
"It's Viceroy." Cornelia corrected as she looked to her younger sister with a stern look.
"Viceroy even you must know he's deserving." Euphemia said as she looked to her sister.
"Discrimination against the Numbers is our national policy." The eldest of the Li Britannian siblings reminded her younger sister.
"Then it's time I tried to change that!" Euphemia stated making it clear that this blatant racism has to stop.
"Oh, is it now, Sub-Viceroy." Cornelia began with a snap in her voice. "Well, when you become Empress, feel free to do so!" Cornelia said with her eyes narrowed into a glare.
(Meanwhile with the Lotus)
The Lotus was once more in the guise of Margulis as she was roaming through one of the upper classes of Area 11. More specifically she had been invited to a social gathering among Britannians hence why she was in a noble's outfit for the occasion. She had been carefully grazing the grass to acquire contacts for both Margulis and Natah. For Margulis she focused on the Britannian Nobles placing herself in an ideal spot to get what she needed through them. As Natah she had been acquiring contacts through the Criminal Underworld hence why she had learned of Refrains origin points to be removed. While yes, she admitted that more of it will come about their current stockpiles are not only destroyed but they cannot create anymore on the fields they came from. It was a good thing they had Warframes such as Titania, Oberon, and Ember to destroy the crops used to make Refrain.
"Lady Silvana." A bell hop greeted as he allowed Margulis to enter the gathering with a not.
Once she was inside Margulis was met with the sight of several nobles talking and drinking. While it was not one of those massive parties this was a social group. Margulis had been invited to it when word of her existence and actions had started to make the rounds. Margulis Silvana a noblewoman, mother of two, and a supporter for charitable groups for children orphaned in the crossfire of the war. The fact also showed that she had shares in certain groups that handled cybernetic prosthetics and other medical groups for soldiers injured in the battlefield. Margulis had to get herself closer to the social circles of the royals and this meant swallowing her pride and interacting with the arrogant nobles. Thanks to the memories she had from Margulis time as an Orokin Executor she had all the needed social grace to talk her way through.
For now, all she can do is wait and see if she gets any bites from the Britannian Nobles.
(Scene Break Ashford Academy)
"Ok guys time to raise a glass to Kururugi valued member of the Student Council and the newest knight of Britannia!" Rivalz called out as he poured a glass of soda for Suzaku. "Now let's get this party started!" Rivalz announced as he raised a glass for Suzaku along with nearly everyone in the Ashford student body as they gathered in the Clubhouse ballroom for the celebration filled with pizza and soda.
"Congratulations!" All the students cheered with glasses raised.
"And you have Nunnally to thank for all this." Milly said as behind her Nunnally was seen with Alice, Ven, and Eureka.
"I'm sure you're tired of the celebrations, if you don't mind, we'd want to honor you to." Nunnally said with a smile on her face.
"Not at all, it's really kind of you." Suzaku said while he smiled back at Nunnally.
"You've earned it." Alice said with a nod to Suzaku while Ven and Eureka wordless nodded to the newly made Knight.
(Meanwhile with Nina)
However, not everyone appeared to be in a celebratory mood as Nina sat alone in the Student Council's meeting room at her computer in the corner, though she also looked at a magazine with Euphemia's pictures in it. "Oh, what am I gonna do, Princess Euphemia?" She asked as she clearly did not approve of Suzaku becoming a knight, let alone, Euphemia's knight.
"Good afternoon." Lloyd was heard as he suddenly walked in casually. "Have you seen Major Kururugi? They said I could find him here." Lloyd asked before he glanced at what was on Nina's computer. "Oooh, looks like you're working on some fun stuff." Lloyd said he grew intrigued with what Nina was working on.
"You know what it is?" Nina asked in surprise.
"Oh, I can tell a uranium isotope when I see one." Lloyd said as he leaned over the girl's chair.
"Wow, you know your stuff!" Nina was actually excited to meet someone that actually understood what she was working on as she began to ramble on. Unknown to Nina the monitoring program on her computer alerted Ordis as did the small drones watching her.
(Back at the Party)
Meanwhile, back inside the clubhouse, Eureka looked at Suzaku for a moment with concern. She wondered if anyone knew Suzaku was a murderer who committed patricide. While Ava and Sayak were gathering their own information Eureka opted to get the information from the source.
"Go ahead." Ven spoke as if reading his fellow Tenno's mind. "Just exercise caution, ok." Ven added and with a nod Eureka began to make her way over to Suzaku. But as Suzaku left Ven's phone rang alerting him to a call. "Ven here." Ven spoke as he answered the call, but his happy face turned stern after he got word of it.
"Operator... She's made a startling breakthrough." Ordis spoke and thus Ven silently nodded and looked around before leaving.
Meanwhile Suzaku was having a good time at the party unaware of the war going on. "Hey, Suzaku." Eureka called as she quickly walked over toward him. "Can I talk to you for a moment?" Eureka asked as she looked to Suzaku wanting to speak privately to him.
"Sure thing." Suzaku responded before followed Eureka away from the crowd and in a more secluded area. "What is it?" He asked when he noticed the look on her face. "Is something wrong?" Suzaku asked as he saw the stern almost sad look Eureka had on her face.
"Well, not really, it's just…" Eureka began as she tried to find the right words. "I'm happy for you Suzaku, I really am. But I'm also really worried. I've heard how dangerous being in the military is and if something happened…" Eureka began as she tried to get her words through to Suzaku subtly while also trying to get any clues on how he killed his father.
Suzaku gave a small smile as he put a hand on her shoulder. "Eureka, that's nice of you, but you don't have to worry. I can handle myself, besides, they put me in charge of this new unit, so I won't be going anywhere without them." Suzaku said to assure Eureka's concerns.
"Yeah but..." Eureka began was then interrupted by Ven.
"Hey Eureka, sorry to bother you by mother called she wants to hear from you." Ven said coding Eureka that they had a situation to deal with.
"Oh of course." Eureka said and thus went to look to Suzaku. "Sorry Suzaku." Eureka said and in turn took her leave with Ven.
(Later in the halls)
"Nina's made a breakthrough we need to delete the data, smash the computer and hunt down any other copies of it she might have had." Ven said being quick on this while he and Eureka weaved through the crowd.
"How bad?" Eureka asked as she looked to Ven.
"According to Ordis and the drones, the guy behind the Lancelot helped." Ven spoke and thus this meant they had to not only destroy the data but ensure Lloyd didn't have a part of it either.
(Back at the Party)
Meanwhile, Suzaku was still somewhat confused by what had just happened with Ven and Eureka and was about to talk to the pair to see if he could help with what they had needed her help with. But he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked in surprise to see Lelouch with a friendly smile.
"Hey Suzaku, sorry I'm late. I got held up with something." Lelouch told him showing he just arrived too the party.
"That's fine, I'm just happy you could be here." Suzaku responded while he smiled back before he remembered Lelouch had something to discuss with him before. "Hey, what did you want to talk about? You said it was kind of important, right?" Suzaku asked curious as to what Lelouch wanted to talk about.
"Oh year... just forget it." Lelouch said as with the information he has now he could not just convince Suzaku to side with him now.
Before Suzaku could even respond, he heard a familiar voice call to him. "Bad news, Suzaku!" Lloyd called out as this caused Suzaku and Lelouch to turn to see Lloyd and Nina walk into the ballroom. "You just got even more work to do, I'm afraid." Lloyd said as Suzaku figured it might have been the case.
"Oh, right." Suzaku said in acknowledgement to his boss.
"You know him?" Lelouch asked as he looked to Suzaku a bit.
Suzaku winced slightly. "He's, my boss." Suzaku responded no doubt not expecting him to come here of all places.
"Lloyd, is something wrong?" Milly asked as she walk up to the guy as Nina ask, "Oh you guys know each other?"
"We are to be Married," Lloyd said without hesitate which surprise everyone, including all the love-struck guys who fell in love with the School President as Lloyd said to Milly, "Isn't that right honeybunch?"
"Ahh, yeah," Milly said as it seems by the look on her face, she didn't want to tell the school about her engagement at all, but Lloyd just blabbed it out without a care in the world as Suzaku said, "Look like the secret is out."
"So, you knew?" Lelouch asked him as Suzaku just nodded to this as Rivalz wasn't happy about this at all as it seems he had a crush on the President as he came rushing up as he said, "Whoa-whoa-whoa, what's going on here? Who is this guy?"
"Earl Asplund," Milly said quietly as Rivalz soon yell out in shock before speaking normally with manners," EARL! Ah, hello, your lordship. So, what did you say your relationship was again?"
"She and I are Betrothed," Lloyd said once again saying it without a care in the world as Rivalz back away while saying very dramatically, "NNOOO!"
Suzaku came up to break the tension of what is going on as he asked Lloyd, "So do I have military duties then?"
"Yes, an important Someone are arriving by boat, they are off to meet him," Lloyd said of not giving detail of who they are meeting as Eureka was back with the crowd listening to what they are saying, and watching out for anything and make sure Ven was in the clear of what he's about to do as Lloyd went on saying, "Along with the Lancelot and Princess Euphemia of course."
Suddenly there was a cloud of smoke coming forth out of nowhere, with the fire alarm going off as Ven was rushing out of the hallway with a cat in his hand as he screamed out, "FIRE! Fire in the computer room!"
That got a lot of people's attention including Nina as her eyes widen as she quickly rushes to the computer room along with Suzaku as he grabbed a fire extinguisher. Soon they both rushed to the computer room to Nina shock and horror the computer she was working at with all of her saved data was on was now ruined along with many other computers as well and the router.
Suzaku pulled the pin of the Fire Extinguisher and quickly put out the fires around with a few other students as well. Meanwhile Nina was left in shocked of this as Lelouch, Ven, who still had the cat in his arms, and many others from the party had come to see the damage as Lelouch said, "What happen?"
"Well, I was on my way back from the bathroom until I saw this cat out and about, and sort of followed him into the computer room. But the next thing I knew the cat spilled a bottle of water and cause an electric fire, I try to put it out but it went a little out of control so I grab this little guy, pull the fire alarm and went out to get help," Ven said as Suzaku confirm it as he found a half melted water bottle with its cap off near the Electrical Outlet that had a bit of water left in it as he said, "Someone it seem didn't screw the cap on correctly or at all."
Ven keep his worried look on his face, as on the inside he was quite pleased with the results really. Van had made it look like an electric fire, but in fact it was him void blasting the computer room, not only destroying the computer Nina was working on but other to cover up the fact he destroyed the data of Nina work. Then with a bit lighter fluid to help speed up the process while also had Umbra take the fluid afterwards while bringing the cat to him to help put the last part of the puzzle in the nuclear data Nina was working on was lost.
"All of my hard work… all of my data gone," Nina said as she just kneeled down as Eureka came over to Nina as she put a comforting hand on her while saying, "Was it your schoolwork or something? I'm sure you have a back drive or maybe backup notes?"
"All of my work was in there… now it's gone," Nina said as she started to cry with Ven and Eureka did feel a bit bad, but it needed to be done with Ven wanting to make sure that was it as he ask, "But I'm sure you still remember some of the stuff you had, right?"
"I do but, not all of it, I have to start from the beginning again which is going to take Weeks to write it all up once more," Nina said as the Tenno was a bit relief but still worry, as Lloyd seen and heard all that happen as he came up to Nina and said to her, "Don't worry my dear, I'm sure you can get it all back in time, If I had the time I may help you out."
"Y-you would?" Nina said as she sniff a bit as the Tenno were now very worry as they figure he may have Photographic memory or as well understanding of Nina work, as Lloyd smile to her as he said, "I'm sure, maybe next time I come back here, I can give you a hand, but for now Suzaku and I have to report back to the military for our assignment."
With that the two soon left, as Lelouch turn to everyone that show up in the area as he said, "It seem the party is over now everyone. Please leave immediately and calmly."
After that as everyone started to leave, Lelouch look back in the computer room and wonder about something, but before he could say anything Nunnally called out, "Is everything alright Lelouch?"
"Its fine Nunnally, just an accident, nothing for you to worry about," Lelouch said as he was occupied talking with his sister, Ven and Eureka were leaving together as Eureka said to Ven, "It seem we still have a problem."
"I know," Ven said as Eureka soon said to him, "Should we have him killed or kidnap him?"
"Hard to say at this point, he is a noble, and his work on the Lancelot and the weapons for it is top notch that we may still need him to keep develop any other weapons to use, once we find the data that was rerouted again," Ven said as it seem the Tenno knew that Lloyd and his assistant had found out about their data stealing and try to transfer the data to a different computer, but the Tenno quickly found out about that due to a program they left in their system they didn't seem to notice yet and intercepted it while copy said data, as Ven went on saying, "But for the time being we'll keep close surveillance, either the drones or one of the stealth teams to watch over him."
"Let's hope for the best then," Eureka said as now they have to report this to the Lotus of what happen and what Eureka heard as they think it could be important if the said person that was coming is important too.
(Scene break with Suzaku)
As Suzaku, Lloyd, and the entire Lancelot crew with the Irregular of Geass users were all on a boat heading to an Island as Suzaku question, "Why Shikine Island? The Tokyo settlement would've been a lot safer."
"Yes, I'm curious about that myself." Cecile said as she found it odd to be meeting all the way out here. "Plus considering the fact the Tenno's headquarters is not too far from here..." She trailed off which Suzaku understood the gist of it.
"Meh whatever." Clara said with a casual shrug of her shoulders. "Might be a good chance for me to work on a tan." Clara said looking forward to sand, beach, and sun.
"Don't act so casual." Cecile scolded as she looked over to Clara. "Thanks to a certain someone and their loose lips our plans got leaked onto the net." Cecile added with a glare towards Lloyd.
"But that girl was so charming I couldn't resist." Lloyd said as he smirked a bit. "Plus, I do owe her for the loss of all her hard work. I'd hate it if it were me who lost the data on my precious Lancelot in such a way." Lloyd said as they knew with the Tenno and the stolen Lancelot data, they had to reroute their data to a safer location so the Tenno could not get to it.
(Meanwhile with the Black Knights)
Zero was currently on the bridge of their vessel meeting with the Black Knights and Ven's squad of Tenno. They had been selected for this particular mission as a valuable target was within their reach. "Euphemia is going to that island to meet a noble from their homeland." Zero explained as a three-dimensional image of the island itself was projected in front of the group. "Her knight, Suzaku Kururugi, as well as the Unit known as Irregular will be accompanying her." Zero stated as he stood before the group who saw the mission specs. "That far out at sea, the enemy's strength will be limited it is a golden opportunity." Zero said as this was their opportunity to strike.
"Our objective is the capture of the Lancelot and Suzaku Kururugi. Once we won the battle, I want Kururugi safely taken into custody." Zero announced and thus Tamaki had to ask the big question.
"So, what happens after we got him?" Tamaki asked glaring at Zero.
"We take him in, interrogate him, and then let him loose after dismantling the Lancelot." Umbra said taking stage which seemed to appease Tamaki for now.
(Later in the Research Lab)
Umbra was leaning on the railing as he listened in on what Rakshata and her crew were working on. An improve stealth tech the Tenno were going to offer it, but it seems this group was well on their way to discovering it themselves. "I've been in talks with Tohdoh he knows something about Suzaku and Genbu he might have played a role in the cover up." Ava said via their communications link as Ven heard what she said.
"If I had Nyx equipped or even Zero's Geass I could maybe force Tohdoh to talk but without either I can't do much but touch and go." Ava added as Ven understood.
"Good keep me posted." Ven began as he heard footsteps coming up behind him belonging to Zero. "I'll call you back." He finished before hanging up.
"Zero what can I do for you?" Umbra asked as he looked to Zero.
"It would seem your inner circle plan worked." Zero said as he had to admit that Umbra made the right call.
"Of course, hiding the truth from the enemy is one thing hiding the truth from your allies is something else entirely." Umbra spoke as he noted one bit on Suzaku there. "Anyway, I've been investigating Suzaku and the death of his father." Umbra spoke which got Zero's attention.
"And what of it?" Zero asked as Umbra sighed to this.
"I know what you plan to do with Suzaku it's not going to work." Umbra said as Zero raised a brow to this. "Reason for this is the fact that after much research we have a vision of what really happened, the day of Prime Minister Kururugi's death." Umbra said as now Zero was intrigued by this.
"Oh, and what happened?" Zero asked as he was a bit curious about it.
"Genbu Kururugi did not take his own life, on the contrary he was murdered by his own son." Umbra said much to Zero's shock when he heard this. "The evidence added up because the Suicide just didn't make any sense at the time." Umbra said as he turned back towards the lab. "This is why Suzaku won't join us he refuses to own up and take responsibility for his actions rather blaming all the wrongs on others." Umbra said delivering cold hard truths to Lelouch. "The trauma of his actions had more than likely caused him to be a bit suicidal no doubt he joined the military to change the system from within and should he fail at that die in battle for what he assume was a noble cause to clean his hands of the blood stains." Umbra said as Zero pondered this for a moment.
"Just stick to the plan." Zero said as he now had more information to work with in trying to take on Suzaku without killing him.
(Back with Suzaku Shikine Island)
Euphemia had arrived at the docks of Shikine Island, with Suzaku, Clara, Alice, Lucrecia, Dalque, and Sancia. Even with Lloyd being there Suzaku felt out of place as he noted the majority of this group was comprised of woman. The Camelot division's vehicles were unloaded, along with the personal Knightmares of Suzaku and his squad as they were being greeted by their Military escort.
"Your majesty, we've prepared a room for you back at headquarters, if you care to await there." A soldier spoke as he had the Princess attention.
"Is it safe to assume that the ship is docking here?" Euphemia asked the officer with a small smile on her, face.
"Yes, that hasn't changed." The officer replied to which Euphemia understood.
"This will do fine, then." Euphemia said not at all minding waiting in the room at the base.
"Very well, I'll just arrange…" The officer began to say before he stopped as he suddenly got an alert on his personal radio.
(Back at the base)
Multiple explosions erupted all over the base as the Tenno and the Black Knights began their attack. A Slash Harken launched outward a vehicle revealing it was the Noir who did it without its wings active.
Next to Noir was Tohdoh's custom made Gekka as he had a slash harken weapon in his left hand. "First Squad continue advancing Zero Squad I want you covering from their flank." Tohdoh ordered as the Knightmares moved into attack. The Gurren was seen taking out one of the Sutherlands with her Radian Surge while the Mark Nemo came in and disarmed her opponents.
"Talk about packing a punch." Asahina commented as he sliced a Sutherland in half with his Gekka's katana. "At least she won't have a bad hair day." Asahina added as the Mark Nemo sliced through her foes with her slash harken.
At another part of the base Django and Dion were seen as Django was in beast form tearing the throats out of the Sutherlands before shifting and slitting the necks of the others with a combat knife. Dion was providing cover fire with his cannons as he hammered the base with powerful shots. Around them were Custom made Tenno forged Knightmares that were semi-autonomous in their actions.
(Meanwhile with Lelouch)
Meanwhile Zero's Burai stood on the cliffside above the base, observing their comrades' attack. This caused Lelouch to chuckle a bit in spite of himself. "Impressive it's no wonder Tohdoh held off the Britannian's once before without a single Knightmare." Zero said with a calm tone in his voice. "Now I only need to wait for Euphemia to receive word of our visit." Lelouch added waiting for the Princess to send in their target.
(Back with Euphemia's Entourage)
Back at the docks, the group of Britannians could see the smoke from the base even from their current location. "We've received confirmation that headquarters is under the attack of the Black Knights and the Tenno." The Britannian Officer reported much to everyone's shock.
"We best withdraw back to the Settlement." Sancia said as she then looked to the Officers. "Can you arrange an escort for us?" She asked but the Officer turned his head.
"We can't their jamming our communications with some sort of wide ranged interference." The Officer reported which meant they were stuck here.
"Euphie, everything is going to be okay; I promise." Alice said as she tried to comfort the Princess imagining this was Nunnally and not her elder Half-Sister.
"We won't let any harm come to you, your majesty." Suzaku added.
However, Euphemia was far from scared. "No Suzaku. I want you, Clara, and the Irregulars to help these men fend off the attack." Euphemia said as she looked to the group, she brought with her.
"But what about you?" Alice asked with concern for the Princess.
"I will be fine." Euphemia assured but the officer had his objections.
"But Sub-Viceroy he's an honorary Britannian all of them are, we're almost certainly dealing with the Black Knights here. What if they turn their Knightmares against us?" The Officer said but Lloyd begged to differ on the officer's accusation against Suzaku just now.
"Uh you do realize your criticizing a member of royalty, right?" Lloyd asked with a tone that was almost an accusation against the officer.
"Oh uh... forgive me I didn't mean to..." The Officer said hoping this did not just cost him his job.
"Kururugi take your combat unit and demonstrate your valor for us today so we may finally silence all these nay-sayers." Euphemia said and thus the group understood.
"Right." Suzaku said before turning to the girls. "Let's go." He ordered and thus they were off.
(Later at the battle)
The Gurren rolled in and fired off its arm gun at a Sutherland destroying it and forcing the pilot to eject. Following it up was the Noir and the Mark Nemo as the later of the two used her Blond Knives to remove the arms and head before Noir rolled in and sliced the Knightmare in two at the hips.
Nearby Tamaki was rolling in happy to join in. "I'll finish this." He said only to be blindsided by the Slash Harken of the Lancelot from behind. Following it up was the Club who rolled out and went for Noir at a breakneck speed. Noir blocked the attack and but due to momentum was pushed back by the Club.
Ven growled to this as he tried to hold his ground against this foe. "You won't get the drop on me this time!" Ven said as he glared at his foe through his Knightmare opting against using his Geass for now. He can't afford to become overly reliant on it otherwise he'll find himself at a dire disadvantage if it's ever neutralized.
"Umbra!" Nemo called out before her Geass went off and thus acting fast the Mark Nemo avoided the attack from a new Knightmare.
"Nemo are you ok?" Nunnally asked as she looked to the scene from the backseat of her mind.
"Yeah, for now but I think we're in trouble." Nemo said as standing before them was a Knightmare similar to the Mark Nemo. "It seems that guy from Narita and from the prison break has upgraded and by the looks of it, it looks just like our Mark Nemo." Nemo added as this got Nunnally worried over this.
In turn the new Knightmare charged at Nemo forcing the construct to block with her Katana. Following this up she sent her Blond Knives at her foe, but the new Knightmare managed to dodge the attacks with ease. In retaliation the new Knightmare showed itself capable of using the Blond Knives as well forcing the Mark Nemo to avoid its own attack coming back at it.
"Shit!" Nemo cursed as she saw her foe was not only fast but can now keep up with the Mark Nemo.
(Alice)
In the cockpit of her new Knightmare Alice glared at her foe ready to take them down here and now. "Not do fun when your opponent can do the same." Alice taunted as she glared at her foe keeping an eye on her limiter. With her controls she in turn continued the fight with Nemo intended on taking her down and dragging her to prison.
(Noir vs Club)
The Noir and Club rolled around each other clashing with each pass as they tried to one up the other. After another pass Noir drew its VERAS and began to open fire on the Club. The Club blocked a few shots with its shield before returning fire while also move to cover. The Noir did the same as soon both Knightmares were behind cover.
Waiting a moment, the two Knightmare's pilots proceeded to jump out and jump into the fray again. They were evenly matched as they slashed and shot at each other before their blades collided again. The two rolled about on their land spinners both sides struggling to get the upper hand on the other. Noir and Club then rolled back before Noir opened fire on the Club to continue their fight.
(Meanwhile with Dion and Django)
The two Knightmares were moving about as they lead their second team in their distraction. Moving in towards the base Ava launched out from the Knightmare with Valkyr Prime digging the Warframe's claws into the side of the building. Once that was done Ava fired off her Warframe's tether to pull herself upward towards the access point into the base.
Sayak and Eureka both saw this and smirked to this. "Insertion complete, moving on to." Eureka began when suddenly the brutish Knightmare showed up and slammed down on the ground. Following it up was sniper fire from nearby causing them two Knightmares to look the source.
"Oh, great these broads again." Sayak said as he saw the Knightmares here.
"Remember they may be enhanced but their still human." Eureka said as Sayak nodded to this.
"Well, this time, our Sniper pair won't get the jump on us this time." Sayak said and thus they charged into battle.
Django went after Dalque's Knightmare firing her handguns upon the larger foe who used a destroyed tank as a makeshift shield. Once that was done, she threw the tank at Django who in response jumped over it and fired down upon Dalque who used her arms to block the attack.
Meanwhile Dion was firing upon the location upon the sniper nest using their own stolen weapon against them. As he fired the cannon off, he Sayak smirked as he did love him the big guns. Lucretia and Sancia were of course caught off guard a bit by the return fire forgetting that Sayak had stolen their tech back in Narita. Either they forgot or assumed the Tenno would not figure out how to use it for themselves. The Sniper pair were forced to move away to avoid being blasted by Sayak as they considered an alternative method of combat against him.
(Suzaku)
Suzaku glared about after taking out a few of the Burai's when he suddenly blocked a shot from afar. Looking to the source he saw that it was Zero who fired that rocket at him.
"Zero, there you are." Suzaku said with a growl in his voice. Zero was seen standing atop his Burai and even if he was not his Burai was easy to spot in any situation.
(Lelouch)
"That's right Suzaku, come." Lelouch silently said as he glared at Suzaku ready to move.
But just then Umbra began to contact Zero with an update. "Zero we have a problem, the Britannians have deployed a new Knightmare to battle, and Nemo is locked in combat with it." Umbra reported as he sounded like he was in the thick of it as well.
"Can you move in to assist her?" Zero asked his concern clear.
"No, we're all held up with our own problems." Umbra reported and thus Zero knew he had to think this through.
"Try and draw your opponent to the area, I might have a way to help us all out." Zero said as he figured that taking out two Lancelot's would be too good of a chance to pass up.
"Confirmed." Umbra responded and thus they began to carry out the plan.
(Back to the Battle)
"Confirming Target." Tohdoh announced as he began to fallback using his swords boosters to help propel him backwards. "All units assume formation three and fallback. Do not fire on the target I repeat do not fire." Tohdoh ordered as the fight began to move away.
Nearby Umbra was drawing Club into the trap that was in place for the Lancelot. Firing upon his foe he saw that she was taking the base as he used his Geass to help with this. He soon got to Nemo's location and began to open fire on the new Knightmare causing it to move away. Following this up Umbra proceeded to open a direct link to Nemo and inform her of the update. "Nemo listen up we need to draw these two into the trap for Suzaku." Umbra responded as he looked to Nemo.
"Right." Nemo responded and then fell back to a safe spot with Umbra. The Lancelot Club and the new Knightmare, Morgana gave chased to the Noir and Mark Nemo. The pair were falling directly into the trap set up Suzaku while the Tenno would be getting the goods regardless.
(Meanwhile with Ava)
Ava was seen moving through the vents as she made herself to be quiet and deadly. She had a job to do and if the schematics she got from several Britannian facilities were correct then the main data terminal should be just up ahead. Looking through the small gaps of the vents she saw the main terminal right where she knew it would be. Wasn't the command room but it should give her access to it. Thus, moving through the vents Ava gave her side map a small look and saw that thanks to her mods there were a few enemy combatants nearby.
Smirking to this Ava knew she had a brief moment to act and take them all out at once and thus with a plan in mind she got ready. She kicked the vents open and in turn caught the guards and data clerk's inside off guard. Moving in she fired off her Cernos Prime and delivered several successful headshots at once. She then used her teacher to grab and pull a guard her way before using her Venka Prime claws to slice through him staining the area with blood. Only one data clerk was left as Ava began to make her way towards him allowing her head to bob mindlessly giving her the appearance of a monster.
The Britannian Data clerk was scared beyond reason as he saw the Tenno slowly approach him grinding her claws against the ground creating sparks. It was then in a panic that he got on his feet and ran for it not paying attention to where he was going and slamming headfirst into an obstruction that knocked him out cold. Ava chuckled to this as she then sliced into the system with her Parazon. Once she was inside, she began to download all the files inside so the Tenno could use it later.
"Now then let's see what you fuckers have hidden away here." Ava said as she began to search through the information held on the computers. "Wait the fuck is a Gawain?" Ava asked as she saw the data on a Knightmare pop up.
Looking through the data Ava went wide eyed as she began to realize what this was leading up to. "Oh shit." Ava cursed realizing that Britannia had a new Knightmare made that was on the way here. "And here I thought we heard the last of that asshole." Ava cursed hoping her data working skills can beat this guy before he gets here. Her target now was the data on that new Knightmare and the new weapon it had. But then she saw another link pop up causing her to open it finding it to be a communication which didn't make sense.
"Wait a second... oh fuck me to the Void and back." Ava gasped as she finished listening in on the communication between the facilities commanding officer and a certain Prince.
(Back at the battle)
Noir was leading Club away while Nemo did the same with Morgana. This left Zero's Burai to be bait for the Lancelot which they all continued to move. All the while Suzaku saw the path that Zero's Burai was taking, and the path didn't add up to him. 'He's not equipped for that sand he jumped into. Could he be drawing me into a set-up, using himself as bait?' Suzaku thought as he saw what was going on. "Fine then!" He called out and in turn fired off a Slash Harken at the Burai stopping its escape.
Following this up Nemo spun and used her Blond Knives to intercept it and blocked an attack from Morgana. Following it up Club went for a gun shot at Noir who deflected the VERAS and had his own aimed at Club. The pair were in a stand-off as they now had their weapons pointed at each other daring the other to pull the trigger.
"NOW!" Umbra called out and with that order, a ring of generators shot out of the sand around the pit and generated a wave that traveled along the ground and into the pit, shooting both the Burai and Lancelot with an energy that rendered them immobilized. The only one unaffected by this wave was the Mark Nemo but for she pretended that it did as her Knightmare fell to its knees.
"What the…?!" Suzaku exclaimed as nearly all the power in his Knightmare went dead and the controls would no longer work. "It's frozen?!" Suzaku cried out shocked that he was a sitting duck now. No matter what Suzaku did, the controls wouldn't respond. "No good…" Suzaku cursed as he knew that he was trapped.
"We need to talk, Kururugi." Zero said as he stood up from his Burai's cockpit. "I suggest you come out; your secondary systems should still be functioning. I promise, no harm will come to you, I only want to talk, nothing more." Zero said as he looked to the Lancelot as he'd rather avoid gunning down Suzaku if it can be helped. He knew the Tenno had no compulsions in doing such a thing if the need should arrive hence why he needed to be tactful about this.
From Noir Umbra came out as he had his Nataruk out aiming the weapon at the Club. Clara meanwhile cursed her luck but none the less opened her cockpit and stepped out with her hands raised showing she surrendered. Clara glared at Umbra for a moment but then sighed and accepted she lost for now.
(Meanwhile With Sayak and Eureka)
At the same time, Django and Dion moved out of the way just as another ring of generators shot up around the Irregulars. The ring in turn formed the same kind of energy surge shot from them causing the Knightmares to freeze as their systems went offline.
"It worked." Glass said happy to get these two out of the way.
"I knew we'd pull it off." Ronin said as he saw that the battle was their win for now.
"What's going on? My Knightmare won't move!" Lucrecia said as she saw that none of her systems were working.
"It's frozen!" Sancia gasped as she realized they fell for a trap. "I can't even get communications online!" Her eyes suddenly widened and turned to the Tenno. Django had its arms crossed while Dion had its cannon arm pointed upward.
(Meanwhile back with Euphemia)
"I don't care! Tell Suzaku, and the others to abandon their units!" Euphemia exclaimed to Lloyd and Cecile. "What can possibly be wrong with them?! Why can't they move!? Why can't we even talk to them?!" She asked trying to get word of Suzaku's current situation.
"Something's happened to the Sakuradite that's powering all their Knightmares." Cecile informed as she looked over the provided data. "Though the one affecting the Lancelot's isn't as strong as the others, it still won't move either!" She announced much to Euphemia's shock on the situation.
"A Gefjun Disturber." Lloyd said in an unusually grave tone which was out of character for him.
"You mean…?!" Cecile exclaimed realizing what the implications of this meant.
"But they're actually using it as a jamming mechanism." Lloyd continued. "I thought it only theoretical, but it seems the Tenno have proven me wrong. It really is you Rakshata." Lloyd said as he realized his old rival was on the enemy's side.
(At the pit trap)
Suzaku and Clara had opened their cockpit and came down using a rope on a pulley system on the Lancelot's, with Alice staying in her while being pointed at with many guns of Knightmares and Tenno. Zero and Umbra standing before them as Zero had a gun point at them with Umbra only had his hand on his sword, there was no need for him to resort using his bow and or side arm for this, as he was faster than Suzaku could dodge and no doubt cut down the girl with him as well if the situation escalate somehow, with Zero suddenly spoken up as he said, "I'll get to the point Suzaku Kururugi, I want you to join me."
Umbra didn't look directly at Zero, but he was surprised what Zero said, as it seem Lelouch still want his best friend to join him, but the question was he is planning on using his Geass on him to do it or use the information he gave him to make Suzaku join him through extortion?
"IS that a threat?" Suzaku said as he approached both zero and umbra as newly knighted honorary Britannian soon said to him, "Well you can forget it. I already told you, results gained through contemptible means are worthless to me."
"So, would you describe the peace we have now is worthless?" Zero ask as he keep pointed his gun as Suzaku, with his finger lightly off the trigger as Umbra can tell, zero isn't planning on killing Suzaku even if he says no to zero offering, with Suzaku was surprise by what Zero had said as the mask teen went on saying, "If Japan had resisted to its very last breath 7 years ago, what do you think would happen?"
Suzaku didn't say a word as he was slowly remembering his pass as Umbra soon sees what Zero was doing but didn't know if it could work or not as Zero went on saying, "The Chinese and E.U would have step in and split Japan in 3, they be fighting even now, our current peace are the results of Japan immediate and unconditional surrender."
Suzaku was surprised with Zero words, but it seemed he quickly resolve himself and look strong as he said to zero, "That's right, and I've been fighting to preserve my father's peace, ever sense it began."
"Don't you mean, your own peace when you murder your father?" Umbra said suddenly which shocked Suzaku with Clara also shock by this as she heard the prime minister had kill himself which won Britannia the battle over Japan and made it Area 11, but to hear they won because one of their own betrayed them? The look on Suzaku face was clear enough to see that he was found out as Suzaku said, "How did-
"We found out. We investigated the prime minister of Japan's death closely, knowing something was off from the start of it. The suicide note was forged written in someone else's hand writing, the angel of his stab wound was off crossing out suicide, as the angel of it was so low only a child could make it, and sense his hostages was reported to be somewhere else it was clear it wasn't them, so it had to be someone else, someone to get close enough to make the kill, and all other evidence points to you Kururugi," Umbra said as he gave out a clear detail of their investigation.
"After you murder minsters, the government was in disarray leaving the Japanese no other choice but to surrender… but it wasn't much of a choice anyways sense any option to them were taken away when Britannia took over this country, stripping everything including the name of Japan itself as they were force to become low class to outright slaves to the nobility of Britannia, all because of your selfishness," Umbra said as Suzaku soon said, "But I didn't-
"Silent! Your words became worthless when you became a traitor to your own people, you force your fellow country man into surrendering, and turn coat when you join with Britannia being honorary as one believing you would have a better life when the rest of your former people are suffering, and even now that you are fighting against your people, the very same people who wants nothing more than to reclaim their lands and the name of Japan, as you think you're fighting for them, fighting against them for their own good. Do you think you're doing good for anyone? No, as you're nothing more but a hypocrite," Umbra said to Suzaku leaving him in a state of fear and panic, as all the word that umbra said strike him like an arrow to his heart as that how much umbra's words hit him.
For Ven as he said these words, he knows he isn't better as Suzaku, as both of them may have killed their own fathers, but with Ven, he kill his parents in self-defense when they went mad from the void, this wasn't what he mean, as he was thinking back to the time he had shaken the hand with the devil to save his fellow Tenno.
Maybe they could have found out a way to get out of the void on their own, maybe the ship could somehow fix itself and exit the void itself, but the fear and panic that ran through everyone, there was no telling how long they could last, and when the Manny appear before Ven, offering a way to save everyone including himself, he knew it was too good to be true but he taken in as he fear he could have gone mad in the void as well and taken their choices away.
The Man in the Wall was good on his word as he gave the Tenno the power needed to survive before they got the ship out of the Void. But they went from one hell to another in the form of the Orokin who tortured them, making them suffer then turn them into slaves, forced them to use the Warframes to kill their enemies and when everything was said and done, they would have taken the Tenno own body via Continuity. If it weren't for the Lotus freeing them and the Tenno taken their freedom back by killing almost all the Orokins, they would not be here. Ven had regret making the deal, but he couldn't change the past and if he could, should he?
That wasn't a question he could answer as that answer lies within the other Tenno. But comparing Ven to Suzaku, Ven had taken responsibility for his choices, he became stronger than his fellow Tenno to help them, to help Lotus who had help and saved them. If Ven had known he would have saved Rell as well, save his best friend from his suffering into having a better life, while Suzaku never did anything for his people. All he did was turn his back on them while literally die trying to leave his regrets and shame behind.
Suzaku was silent as was Zero as he saw Umbra's words had a stronger impacted on Suzaku than he thought as he let him take the lead on this as Umbra soon said to Suzaku once again, "You have two choices before you, choices that your people would have deserve to have as well. You can find a blade then commit Seppuku and regain any honor you are deserving of… or you can take that blade that you find, return to your people and help them fight against the enemy that stolen everything from them, make your choice."
Suzaku stood there in shock as he didn't know what to do. The Tenno knew what he did and clearly, they were not happy about it. But he had to do it at the time there were too many innocent lives that would be lost if he just let it happen. But the guilt the blood on his hands never left as Suzaku tried to figure out what to do. However, his thoughts were interrupted by static-transmissions in his communications' device.
"Kururugi…. Respond…. Major Kururugi… please respond immediately!" He heard the Islands commander call out as he was attempting to contact him.
"May I?" He asked Zero looking to him with a glare.
"Yes." Zero nodded allowing for Suzaku to do what he needed.
"This is Major Kururugi." Suzaku answered the calls.
"This is Lieutenant Colonel Fair Commander here of the Shikine Island. We're launching surface-to-surface missiles against the terrorists." The man said much to the entire groups shock. "Major Kururugi your orders keep Zero there!" The man ordered causing the Tenno to go wide eyed.
'They're giving him up to die!' Lelouch, Nunnally, and even Ven all mentally thought when they heard this.
Immediately, Suzaku wrenched the gun from Zero's hand, grabbed him by the wrist and put him in a hold while keeping the gun trained on him. "What are you…?!" Zero struggled, but Suzaku's grip was too strong.
"I can't approve of your methods!" Suzaku stated, however, he was stopped from going any further as just then Ava showed up and had her gun pressed against Suzaku's back. Ava had just finished up getting the data and was now joining the group but clearly, she had not been fast enough.
"Drop the gun and I won't blow your fucking brains out." Ava said with a growl showing she was not playing nice today.
"Heads up we got surface missiles on the way here we need to evacuate NOW!" Ava called out knowing they had to move and move fast.
(Meanwhile with Euphemia)
Euphemia was seen running out of the ship when she got word of what was going on. "Wait!" Euphemia exclaimed as she, Cecile, and Lloyd stepped outside the Camelot's transport.
"You're going to destroy the Lancelot's?!" Lloyd exclaimed as all three Lancelot's were out there.
"Kururugi is holding Zero there this is our chance to kill him." The soldier said as he looked to the group with his tone showing he didn't care about killing an Eleven.
"And who's idea was this?!" Euphemia exclaimed as she glared at the man. "Major Kururugi is my personal knight!" Euphemia said making it clear she was against this.
"It was a para level 1 order it can only be countered by the consensus of three ranking generals or the Viceroy herself I'm afraid." The officer said as Euphemia was getting even more upset now.
"Then who exactly issued this order, Captain? Get me a line to them immediately." Euphemia demanded but the Captain refused.
"Para level one order, Princess Euphemia." The Captain said seeing no way to sway him Euphemia clenched her fists as she ran past the captain straight towards an empty Sutherland and prepared to board it.
"Princess Euphemia?! What are you doing?!" Cecile exclaimed as she was already in the cockpit.
"Contact the base tell them there's a chance I might be there see if they will launch their attack then." Euphemia said as she began to enter the Sutherland while the Captain tried to stop her.
(Back at the Sandpit)
"Dammit their already on top of us!" Sayak called out as he and Eureka had arrived on sight. Sayak then saw Zero before he launched out in Chroma Prime and separated Suzaku from Zero. Suzaku opened fire but Sayak managed to block the bullets with his Warframe.
"Zero, hang on!" Kallen instinctively drove her Gurren into the Gefjun ring.
"No stop!" Ava cried out but it was too late as Kallen drove her Knightmare into the ring where her Gurren short circuited.
"All Knightmares target those missiles and throw up a barrage!" Tohdoh called out knowing they had to stop this. "Empty your guns if you have too!" He added as Clara cursed herself seeing how bad things were getting while clenching her right hand. The Knightmares opened fire as Sayak, and Eureka launched to the sky with their Arch Guns and opened fire on the incoming rockets.
(Meanwhile with Euphemia)
Euphemia piloted her Sutherland, trying to get to Suzaku as her heart pounded in her chest. Every instinct screaming at her to save him. 'Suzaku, you can't die now!' She mentally cried while trying to locate her Knight.
(With Nunnally and Nemo)
'Big brother, Suzaku.' Nunnally mentally cried as Nemo tried to find the best possible outcome with her Geass but couldn't.
(Battle)
"Goddammit!" Ven cursed as he got ready to board the Noir only for a beam to narrowly hit him. Moving to cover Ven aimed Nataruk only to go wide eyed to see what Clara did. Her right hand was outstretched with energy formed in said hand and not just any energy it was Void Energy.
However, before Ven could voice his shock a large shadow loomed over the entire area, causing everybody, Tenno, Black Knight, and Britannian soldier to gasp as the saw it and saw it was the Avalon Schniezel's personal vessel. "Oh, come on not this guy again!" Sayak called out and thus the Tenno and Black Knights changed targets to his vessel. But some form of invisible barrier protected it from both Knightmare ammunition and even the Tenno's own blasts suggesting that Schniezel had upgraded a bit.
Euphemia's Sutherland just arrived as she stood up from the cockpit to see the vessel herself. "That's… my brother's Avalon… Schneizel…?"
"My god…" Clara breathed as she saw the ship as well.
At the haul of the ship known as the Avalon, a large compartment opened to reveal something resembling a Knightmare attached to it, though its exact features were obscured by the shadows, it had a two shoulder-mounted cannons that each generated a large red light, preparing to fire.
"Everyone, find cover now!" Umbra called out and in turn he ran to Zero and Suzaku even going as far as ejecting from his Warframe for momentum so to save the both of them. Just then the Knightmare hooked inside the Avalon opened fire with a barrage of red energy projectiles that would level the entire area. And with everyone focused on the ship, nobody could see the smirking face of V.V. as he stood on a cliffside to observe everything. Unknown to VV the Man in the Wall watched and by the looks of it he was smirking to this.
"Thank you, petty prince and spoiled brat you played right into my hands." Manny said knowing that VV could not hear him for now.
(Meanwhile with CC)
CC gave an audible gasp as she fell to her hands and knees in the Ashford Clubhouse. Her face drenched in sweat as she felt a pulse in her forehead, the Geass emblem on her forehead glowing briefly. Somehow, she knew something was wrong and she knew exactly who was responsible.
'VV…. what did you just do…?' She asked fearing that VV may have just angered the Man in the Wall.
(With Schniezel)
The Prince smirked as he saw the Tenno caught in the blast. Hopefully, this will cripple them at best because after being given such a humiliating defeat Schniezel was fresh out of mercy for them. Unaware to him he just gave the Tenno access to something they were hoping to acquire.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, a new chapter published and ready a lot of crazy stuff happened here huh? Well; if you want to know more be ready for the next chapter, so be sure to leave a review before moving on and as I always say, ja-ne.